"n+i" has contacts throughout the world and agreements with excellent universities. French diplomatic offices all over the world keep us informed about the developments in foreign educational systems.

Determinations of the equivalence to be accorded a given degree or other credentials presented by applicants to "n+i" programs are made by an "n+i" committee.

The members of "n+i" committee are mandated by the directors of Engineering Institutes of "n+i" network and the committee’s decisions are final and not subject to review or appeal regarding the validation or a decision of an application.

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How do I enroll at one of the "n+i" network schools?

Enrollment begins with your online application. This application must be supported by various official documents to be uploaded.

If you prefer a particular school, indicate your preference in your application.

You have the possibility to declare in your electronic form, a wish for french school, or master or Topics for your project of study in France.
Your wishes will not be limiting the number offers you may receive.

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How do I choose an engineering school within the "n+i" network?

You can visit either «Find a school» or «Find a program».
There, with the help of a search engine, you will be able to identify schools of your interest and visit their Web sites for more information.

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What difference is there between a university and an engineering school?

‘Les Grandes Ecoles d’ingénieur’ were created more than two centuries ago to meet the needs of French industries. Today, 80% of France’s engineers come out from these Grandes Ecoles. French Universities are even older, the first university was founded in 12th century. Traditionally, these universities offered courses in pure sciences such as mathematics, physics etc. Recently, these universities have established engineering programs too.

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How is social and cultural life organized in engineering schools?

The schools are very well known for their lively social life. As soon as you arrive you will likely be contacted by french engineering students who will suggest all sorts of cultural, athletic, and recreational activities.

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What are the advantages of an apprenticeship-based training programme?

Obtaining an engineering qualification via an apprenticeship programme allows you to combine a qualification with experience, a salary and funded training.

What is the benefit of training via an apprenticeship' In 4 words: A qualification, experience, a salary, funded training.

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Is it possible to follow a study programme and work in a company at the same time?

Yes, Since 1987, in France, it has been possible to obtain a higher education qualification with alternating periods in a higher education institution (academic training) and a company (practical training), as part of an apprenticeship contract.

If I follow an apprenticeship programme, will I have the same qualification as everyone else?

YES: an apprenticeship is a specific training option and the qualification obtained is the same irrespective of the option selected.

You will obtain a Master’s qualification (engineering degree) and the company will participate in your assessment.

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What's the difference between an apprenticeship contract and a training placement?

Apprentices have the status of salaried employees, with the same rights and obligations as any other employee.

Their job covers numerous tasks and missions and, unlike trainees on a placement, they can benefit from a genuine progression in terms of responsibilities. If their work is not satisfactory, however, there are repercussions.

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How much does the training cost?

Apprentices have very little to pay considering the real cost of the training programme!
The training programme has the same real cost as any other Master's degree but it is funded by regional councils and by a special “apprenticeship tax”; consequently, it is almost free for the apprentices themselves, who receive financial support to help cover travelling, accommodation and canteen expenses.

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What commitments does an apprentice student make?

By signing the contract, the apprentice (as well as the company and the school) undertakes to follow the training programme (within the school and the company).

The apprentice, the company and the school make a reciprocal commitment regarding the fulfilment of the missions.

The school and the company are two training sites, which work together to ensure the successful completion of the programme. Some missions involve technical follow-up within the company and methodological follow-up within the school.

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What happens if an apprentice fails his/her exams, resigns or has his/her contract terminated?

If apprentices fail their exams, they may repeat the year and sit the exams again.
In the event of contract termination (e.g.: as a result of misconduct on the part of the student), the apprentice will lose his/her status and will have to leave France and return to his/her own country immediately.

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What will happen if I do not have a company for my apprenticeship training?

If you or your school, could not find a company for your apprenticeship program, then your enrollment in this school will not be effective.

If necessary, you can ask to be transferred to your "n+i" choice number 2 (under conditions of acceptance from the school) for a regular program of study, see "How to accept an offer."

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What do I need to do obtain an apprenticeship contract?

If you come from a non-EU country, before you travel, you must:

Be pre-admitted to one of the apprenticeship training programmes proposed by the "n+i" schools (e.g. EI-CESI),

Have received a letter of commitment from a French company,

Sign an apprenticeship contract with this same French company (proposed by the school),

Apply for a visa with a temporary work permit for foreigners ( “student” residence permit). along with a temporary work permit with the indication “apprenticeship student”.

Once in France, the apprentice must

With the help of the school ensure that all the administrative procedures relative to labour legislation in France have been completed,

The apprentice must check that he/she is registered with the French Social Security system (scheme for employees and no longer under the status of student).

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Is it essential to have a good command of French to do well in "n+i" programs?

"n+i" offers more than 7 months of cultural and language course before you join French students. This gives you time to improve your level, even if it is low.

Learning French before your departure is strongly advised.The country from which you request your visa may have a requisite level of French language.

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What are the tests of French as a second language? Where can I take them?

If no test of French proficiency (TEF or TCF) are available where the students are they have to provide evidence of their proficiency from an approved individual or organization (See "
level in French
" page).

If no French proficiency test is available where you reside then you have to provide an evidence of your proficiency from an approved individual or an approved organization.

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Where can I find suitable French classes before I go to France?

Insist on high-quality French classes. Alliance Française organizations and classes offered by your university are good bets.

Activation fees of €50 are required once an application is created.
The activation means:
- be invited to join the interview and the MCQ test in Mathematics.
- the kick off of the n+i administrators review and validation of your electronic form.

The purpose is to describe what you would like to do once you will be graduate:
- Would you like to continue your studies for a PhD and do some research' in what field '
- Would you like to working for a company, which one and why etc.

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What is a motivation letter ?

In this text/letter you have to explain your motivation of your project of study in France.

Why have you decided to go study outside your country '
For which reasons id you choose France and the "n+i" program '
Why are you interested by a specific French school, or a specific field of study '
etc.

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Four years of transcripts are requested in the electronic form, but my training does not match this number of years, how to fill the form?

If you do not have any information on your last year because its underway:
You must give the subjects you are studying and provide us a Letter of Evaluation from one of your professors.
This letter should state that your teacher thinks you have good chance to have your last year.

If your degree of bachelor is more than 4 years:
Try to group in Y1 (the earliest year) the subjects the most relevant regarding your project of study, and specify in the comment that you had to group this 2 years, because we will be verifying your your academic results.

If your degree of bachelor is less than 4 years:
Nevertheless, indicate your previous year's result by specifying what for academic level they are.

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My electronic form is still not validated why?

Check if:
Your electronic form is not completed (see your "Dashboard").
You may have not uploaded all your authenticating documents. Check the "Authenticating of dossier" tab on your "n+i" personal page.

If everything is complete, note that a delay of few days is required to process your application.

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My electronic form is locked and I would like to modify it, what can I do?

Once an electronic form is validated and locked it is no longer editable by the user.

As the conformity of the dossier and the authenticating documents have been established, then the dossier can not be modified anymore.

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I've been asked to sign the my electronic dossier with my initials, what are they ?

You must sign each page with the first letters of your "firstname" and "Surname" (or family Name).

To accept an offer of an academic school you need to establish a ranking: 1 being your first choice, 2 your second choice, etc. You can refuse an offer by selecting "No".

Sort these offers with your preferences will help us to better understand your requirements.
For example it is possible that a scholarship programs correspond to a school that you have not chosen as your first choice, then we could ask you to consider your other choices.

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Can I change my recruiting school after the deadline of answer?

No, you can not change of academic offers after the deadlines unless very exceptional cases (Scholarships etc.). In that cases, it is your ranking of academic offers will be taken into account.

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I did not received an offer among the schools I've selected as wishes in my electronic form, why ?

If you have indicated that you are interested in a school, the school will be notified of your application to consult it first.

However it is the responsibility and decision of the school to make an academic offer to you or not, according to its own criteria: academic background, capacity etc..

It is for this reason that we invite students to apply at the earliest. note that schools do not have to justify their selection or their choice.

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What are the different types of documents?

The "quotation" (Q-YY-num):
This document must be returned signed to confirm your acceptance of the program.

The "payment receipt": Once we identified one of your payment credited on our account (eg deposit), your personal page will be updated. You will get this payment receipt to proove that you had paid "n+i" of that amount.

The "n+i invoice" (I-YY-num): Following the acceptance of the quotation, "n+i" will produce an invoice that determines the amount that you must pay.

The "Credit note" (C-YY-num): it is possible that you will exempted from some one ore more packages. In that case a credit note will be issued. This will reduce the amount to be paid from your invoice.

You can also contact us by requesting a personalized assistance and attaching your proof of payment.

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I paid more than my invoice when will I be refund?

After your arrival in France in October and before the end of the calendar year.

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How, whom, and when should I ask for a scholarship?

"n+i" takes the initiative for requesting scholarships from French organizations (Ministries, Embassies, Regions) and its partners (foreign organizations, companies), but you may do so yourself with organizations in your country, and inform yourself on the procedure to complete.

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What criteria are used to award scholarships?

Scholarships are merit-based regarding the criteria of the grants holders.

Your online application is therefore very important—so fill it out carefully.
Criteria include your university’s prominence, your grades and other achievements, recommendation letters from your professors and employer, and, results from the GRE or other tests (not mandatory), if you have them.

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Can I combine several scholarships?

Certain scholarships, such as the Eiffel Scholarship, are exclusive and non-cumulative. Company, French school, and "n+i" scholarships are cumlative according to the amount.

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Can I apply to a scholarship even if I do not yet have a Bachelor degree?

Yes, but in this case you must be in the last your of your Bacelor studies complete your "n+i" dossier. See requirements to produce in dossier inscription.

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How far in advance of my departure should I begin working on administrative requirements?

As soon as you receive a complete and definitive response to your application on january for session 1, on february for session 2, on april for session 3.

If you follow a PIL you should arrive in France in mid July.
If you are exempted from PIL you should arrive in France in September.

Once recruited by a "n+i" school, you will begin the process of visa.
These procedures vary from one country to another (duration, complexity).

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When doing the visa procedure, I've been asked for a proof of lodgement, what can you do for me ?

When you will have fully paid your "n+i" invoice, you will receive on your personal page an attestation of lodgement. With this document you can start your administrative procedure for visa.

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Do I need a passport? A visa?

You need a passport valid for the entire period of your program in France plus at least six months. Apply for a student visa at the French embassy or closest consulate. You need a valid passport for the entire period of your program + 6 months for your stay in France. You need to apply for a student visa "long stay" at the French embassy or a French consulate near to your city.

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What is the visa « student » ?

The visa « student » long stay (applicable for the study program provided by "n+i") is equivalent to a resident permit for the begining of your studies.

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How should I get a residence permit?

The student visa "long stay" is equivalent to a "carte de séjour" for the beginning of your studies in France.

The student must within three months perform certain administrative procedures (OFII) and get as proof a thumbnail on your passport.

Your "n+i" representative in the school will help you for its extension.
As soon as you arrive in France we will help you to obtain a student residency permit.

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How much luggage can I bring with me?

Do not bring too much luggage because the airlines, railway services or taxi companies may make you pay extra charges. We recommend you a limit of 3 bags and 30 kg in total maximum. France has a temperate climate and there are lots of Laundromats.

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How is my welcome organized in France ? I'm concerned about arriving alone in Paris where I don't know anyone.

If you have chosen the PIL (Cultural Integration Package), don’t worry!
An "n+i" representative will be at the airport or railway station to meet you.
We will take care of your transport to your place of study.

Your insurance (health and civil responsibility) will be handled by "n+i".
Instructions will be given before your arrival to prepare your welcome.

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I would like to spend several days in Paris before being transferred to my PIL / PIM center. Is this possible?

Yes with the PIC VIP, see conditions here:
http://www.nplusi.com/articles/240/Cultural-Integration-Package-PIC

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When will I know my arrival date, and the details of my PIL centers and / or PIM?

Early June, if you have paid the entire invoice "n+i", an arrival form will be published with the dates you are awaited for your welcome, you will get also the details for your centers of PIL and PIM.

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What do I need to show to the customs officials when I arrive in France?

At the airport, you will need to show your passport and visa if necessary.

It is also possible that you will be asked for the documents that were use to get you visa (admission letter from the "n+i" Engineer Institute for exemple).

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I do not have any insurance in France yet. What happens if I have a problem in the first few days?

As soon as you arrive in France, the Network "n+i" will welcome and provide you a health and civil insurance effective immediately upon your arrival in France.

N.B.:! If you refused the “n+i" welcome, no insurance will be taken out by "n+i" and you must take out (compulsory) insurance yourself. This is compulsory for every students in France.

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Is it better to study in Paris or elsewhere in France?

The "diplôme d'ingénieur" or master is a national degree in France, which means that it has the same value regardless of the schools that awards it. Your choice of a city is a question of taste and means. Paris, the capital, is more expensive but offers a lot of entertainment and vast cultural resources.

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Can an "n+i" student work while attending the program?

Yes, international students are allowed to work 17 hours per week. But be careful not to spend too much energy in those activities because your studies require a lot of work.

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How much do students need to meet their monthly needs? How much money do a student need per month for his/her basic needs ?

It may cost you a minimum of 1200 € per month to live in France. With the savings from University Boarding and University Restaurants you may be able to manage with 770 € per month for your basic need (living expenses).

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What discounts can I get with my student ID? Do I get discounts with my student ID card ? If yes, what are they ?

Yes. You get discounts in museums, movie theaters, shows, some restaurants, public transportation (train, bus, metro), and much more.

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Are "n+i" students entitled to national health insurance and other social benefits?

Yes. "n+i" and your school will enroll you in the insurance plan.

Over the age of 28 years, you can not get Social Security student because of the health insurance system will be different but your correspondent "n+i" in your host school will inform you for your insurance.

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How do you open a bank account in a French bank?

If you request it, Network "n+i" can help you to open a bank account for your arrival in France.

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Exemption from the Cultural Integration Package (PIC)

The PIC includes the following elements:
- Welcome at the airport,
- Personalized assistance for the whole duration of your studies in France,
- Welcome kit,
- Insurance (medical, civil liability and repatriation),
- Transfers on arrival depending on your packages.

We recommend that all students take the PIC to benefit from the "n+i" support for the complete duration of their studies.

Exemption from PIC depends on Réseau "n+i" and the recruiting school.
To be exempted, the student shall, in agreement with the recruiting school, prepare and sign a renunciation letter confirming his desire not to take advantage of the help and assistance from Réseau "n+i".

The various components of PIC: insurance, liability insurance, health insurance etc, will be the sole responsibility of the student who will take full responsibility of it.

If you wish to be exempted from PIC: open a support ticket stating that you wish to be exempted from PIC.

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Exemption from the Linguistic Integration Package (PIL)

The Linguistic Integration Package (PIL or French refresher course), run by Réseau "n+i", enables students, beginners or not, to improve their level of French before the actual course starts.

Only the "n+i" Student Department is authorized to exempt a student from the linguistic Integration package unless specific criteria from the recruiting school.

To be exempted, the student must demonstrate a good level of French with the B2 certificate in a French test (DELF, TCF, TEF, ...).

In the absence of an official certificate, Réseau "n+i" may consider the transcripts of 3 years of study in French or a certificate from a recognized institute or a letter from a certified person.

If you wish to be exempted from PIL: open a support ticket stating that you wish to be exempted from PIL and attach your proof of B2 level.

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Exemption from the Methodological Integration Package (PIM)

The Methodological Integration Package (PIM) is part of the engineering training that is why only the recruiting school is empowered to exempt the student according to its own criteria. The school will inform Réseau "n+i" who will notify the decision to the student.

To be fully exempted from Methodological Integration Package, the student must demonstrate a good level of French and a good preparation for studies in France, unless specific criteria of the recruiting school.

Important: Exemption is granted according to academic criteria, never for financial reasons.

You can change your password when your are connected, in the "My account" menu and "Change my password" submenu.
If you don't remember your password, please see the Faq: "Using the web site" > "I've lost my password, can you help me ?".

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When I register, I've received a message that the account is already in use.

You will get this message if you are trying to use information already used for an existing account: login or email.

Also note that your account is linked to a single campaign (academic year).
If you re-register for a new application, you must create a new user account for the new campaign of recruitment.

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The photo that I upload for my electronic form is not accepted and saved, why ?